More movies having anniversaries include “Night of the Living Dead” and “Twilight”

Bette Midler stars as Winifred Sanderson in Hocus Pocus. (Provided by the ABC Television Network)

They put a spell on you. They make you shake, shake, shake, Señora. And they definitely made you afraid of kids on tricycles.

October is prime time to break out all of your favorite scary movies, and many of them may have only been experienced on a TV or laptop screen. But that’s not how you truly experience their creepy, terrifying and spellbinding qualities.

This year marks the 25th anniversary of the Halloween classic “Hocus Pocus.” Twenty five years of Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker and Kathy Najimy running amok, amok, amok through Salem as the Sanderson sisters. But in those 25 years, how many have actually experienced the resurrection of Billy Butcherson, the Halloween party performance, and Ice’s fade beyond the small screen?

Well, no need to cry on a pile of pumpkins. There are plenty of opportunities to catch not only “Hocus Pocus” but also “The Shining,” “Beetlejuice” (celebrating 30 years) and more Halloween classics on the big screen this October. Iiiiiiiiit’s showtime!

The Shining

On Tuesday, Oct. 23, Harkins Theatres reunites you with the film based off the book based off of our very own Stanley Hotel. The classic horror film will be accompanied by commentary that will leave you seeing the film like you haven’t before (a.k.a., being scared like you haven’t before, probably). There will be two local theaters showings the film at 7 p.m.

Beetlejuice

Not to take anything away from you, “Hocus Pocus,” but another classic is celebrating the big 3-0.The dirty 30 seems fitting for a guy like Beetlejuice, so it’s only right to honor him appropriately.

Your first option is to really get into it with an Alamo Drafthouse movie party where you can yell out your favorite lines, jump in a conga line and even score some props. You have several chances to party like a ghost at both Alamo locations. Tickets available at drafthouse.com.

UA Denver Pavilions, 500 16th St., will offer a special $5 ticket for the anniversary showings on Saturday, Oct. 20, at 2 and 7 p.m. Also Wed., Oct. 24, at 2 and 7 p.m. regmovies.com.

Night of the Living Dead

OK, well, both “Hocus Pocus” and “Beetlejuice” may need to give up some of that birthday cake because “Night of the Living Dead” is celebrating — wait for it — its 50th anniversary. George A. Romero’s zombie thriller will return to cinemas nationwide for two days, Oct. 24 and 25, and the screening will also feature an introduction from Romero’s sons, George C. Romero and Andrew Romero. There are more than 10 theaters from Fort Collins to Colorado Springs showing the film at 7 and 10 p.m.; find the list at fathomevents.com.

Twilight

Now, we don’t have time to get into the argument of whether or not “Twilight” is a classic yet. For this month’s purposes, just go with it because the film is marking its 10th anniversary. This special event will be for two days only, Oct. 21 and 23, and will feature an introduction by director Catherine Hardwicke and a commemorative poster. Tickets available at fathomevents.com/events/twilight-10th-anniversary.

Rocky Horror Picture Show

Is it even Halloween if you don’t get in on some Rocky Horror action? “Rocky Horror Picture Show” screenings have become a Halloween hit because of the accompanying shadow casts that bring the show to life. You have chances to do the time warp with Colorado’s Elusive Ingredient in Denver and Boulder.

Sie FilmCenter screenings

Leave it to the Sie to go a more non-traditional route.

For all of you closeted vampires, the center’s Bloodthirsty Trilogy continues with “Lake of Dracula” on Oct. 20 at 9:45 p.m. The following Saturday, Oct. 27, at 9:45, “Evil of Dracula” will come out to play. If vampires aren’t really your thing, maybe creepy clowns are? Scream Screen: “Killer Klowns From Outer Space” is ready to fill your nightmares on Friday, Oct. 26, at 9:30 p.m. The event will also feature live music before the film.

Sara Grant is the creator and editor of The Denver’s Post’s entertainment site, The Know: the one-stop-shop for things to do in Colorado. In 2018, she was named to Editor & Publisher’s 25 Under 35 list and The Know was named Best Daily Website by the Colorado Press Association.